CRD

CRD was founded in 1965 by Graham Pauncefort to import and distribute specialized Continental and American catalogs. As the company grew it was a logical step for CRD to start its own classical catalog; the first releases of which were made in 1973. Simon Lawman who had studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London, joined the company in 1970, was appointed Artistic Director in 1973 and was responsible for all recordings up to his untimely death in 1986.

The distribution and recording activities were split into separate companies in 1974, and the distribution company passed out of the hands of the principals when it was taken over by a European based investment company in 1978.